As they were finishing to wash the dishes of their master, the servant staff of the Matters domain was having their own separate meal. One of the few advantages of working as a servant was, that, while they held the mansion well being over their shoulder they would generally have access to the same ingredient they would cook for others-exception being of course particularly expensive ones- which combined to the skill honed on the job makes for daily enjoyable meals.
As it was not rare for her to do so the blue-haired maid struck a conversation with the japanese expatriate.
-What were you talking about with Emilia-sama? You said something about being her student.
-You have good ears Rem, although...you were peeping on us?" he says taking on a pensive expression.
-Ah uhm...I'm sorry Subaru-kun, I was just...
-Eh-eh!
-Wait. Subaru kun don't laugh!
-Sorry I couldn't resist it's alright I was just joking
-Bullying my little sister. If I wasn't so forgiving I would throw you out" Ram sneered
-And bullying me is not forbidden!?"
-You're so bad you're practically begging to get slashed by my words. Masochist" Grinning all the while the pink-haired maid took pleasure in being merciless to her junior.
-Anyway, it's just that I asked Emilia-tan to teach me about spirit arts. She didn't seem to want to at first but she seemed to have changed her mind.'"
-You even go so far as to trouble your master with your incompetence as a student. Just how far are you willing to go" Decided not to let go of her fun Ram was determined on tackling his every move. Out of sisterly love of course.
-" I'd like to let you know she is the one who told me that I had the potential for it in the first place. Also, that's rich coming from you: didn't Ros-chi teach you your magic."
-Nee sama and I did know magic back in the village, but Roswaal-sama indeed helped us get tremendously better at it, especially me" Rem intervene after finishing her last bite, trying to distract her sister from her unflinching assault.
- You two really are something...Well in my hometown knowledge about magic and such are limited to myths and urban legends, so I'm quite excited to try and learn to do it properly.
-As expected of Subaru kun! Rem cheer you on!" the blue maid said, pumping her fist and puffing her cheeks,
-If my sister is that enthusiastic even Ram feels obligated to praise you Barusu willingness to be less pathetic every day" she admitted" Please show your dedication by taking care of the garden in my stead.
- "How willing you are to unload work on me is simply fascinating!" The boy then strikes a dramatic pose " However I'm in a demonically inspired mood so I'll indulge you this time."
After this, the boy began heading towards the garden. As the oni sisters took care of cleaning their plate and his, the eldest broke the silence
-You've been looking a bit quiet as soon as he came out. You should not worry so much about barusu. Even though he is a shameless man he is one who will stand back up even as he squanders all his chances.
-Nee-sama...Is my face so easy to read?
-Rem is my precious little sister. She cannot hide anything from Ram" the elder sister says, patting Rem's shoulder, and staying silently with her for a short while.
…..
Of course, sister knew that the heart of my concern didn't lie in Subaru's potential success as a student. She would know he already has my unshakable faith(though she would say she despise admitting it). No, as much as I hated to admit it it was simple jealousy.
It's not that I want to make a big deal out of it: All that would happen is a study session...One on one. But this is fine. Subaru already spends a lot of his time with Emilia, it's not like it would be a huge change.
Still, I have to admit that it bothers me. Until now working together with him made me feel like I had an advantage but with the two of them now being master and student...I shouldn't think like that. Emilia-sama is a nice and beautiful person. I cannot blame Subaru-kun for giving her his attention. Still-
-Reeeeem-san. If you would I would wish to see you for a short while.
My Master, Lord Roswaal calls for me as I resumed cleaning the mansion's window. After following him into his office he points to me the window, where I could oversee the black-haired man doing his best as usual in gardening, although I may need to show him later how to better maintain the tree's artistic shape.
-That junior butler of our suuuuure is lively, wouldn't you agree dear Rem?" he begins
As he looks at him, Subaru notices us and wave at us shortly before resuming his work, although he did take a puzzled glance at us from time to time.
I do have an idea of what Lord Roswaal want s to talk to me about but it would be pointless to jump the ground dragon, so the best is to let myself be driven by his flow.
-" Yes, Roswaal sama. Subaru-kun always put his all in his work or with those he cares about"
-Indeeeeed. That's why I was quite surprised he did not follow his sooo dear mistress to the election.
As I expected the discussion was about that. It's natural. I was given an order and my lord failed to see the effects of it. Any lord would feel disgruntled at a servant who doesn't show results.
-My apologies Roswaal-sama. As you ordered I let Subaru-kun the opportunity to leave the hotel room and made sure he understood I would not oppose him doing so. But he is the one who decided not to leave. As I didn't think it was appropriate to reveal your expectations in your stead, and that your order conflicted with Emilia-sama's, I did not insist for him to go. If this hindered you in any way, Rem is ready to accept any punishment you see fit" I say as I bow my head.
There was no lie in my answer: those are all reasons I did not force the issue. However, I did feel a bit of guilt as I didn't mention that I encouraged him to prioritize Emilia-sama's words. Though both are my masters, my loyalty should lie to lord Roswaal first so it was unbefitting of me to do so.
-Is thaaat soo..." he let out in a lowered voice, which put me on edge.
Come to think of it this would be the first in a long time where I would directly be punished by Roswaal-sama. Most of the time the other maid handled that and they weren't that severe but...
-Wellllll I don't think you are lying to me. And I would not be so cruel as to punish a maiden for an action her beloved was not obligated to taaaake." seemingly lightening up, he closed one eye, conveying he would let the matter go.
-Uh?
It's not that I expected particular viciousness from Master but...He is not so kind as to take no measure when things don't go according to plan. Was it inconsequential? But if it was, then why call me here?
-You heard me. I simply did was not expecting Subaaaaaru-kun to take such a course of action, but..him being a man of surprise is why he is interesting as well...You can go back to your work'
On those words, he then begins to sit on his desk and go back to his work. Since it was his will and turned out fine, there is nothing for me to complain about. But it just is all beyond my comprehension. Nee-sama would probably understand it better.
Ehe. I'm sure Subaru would scold me if I said it out loud but when it comes to Lord Roswaal, it's not self-loathing to say this. Only she has a glimpse of what he is truly thinking...
…...
-Hello Beako!
He came here.
Again
-You are really not gonna drop that nickname I suppose..."
He is exasperating. Casually addressing me however he likes, always barging uninvited, always wearing that smile as if nothing in the world was worth worrying about
-Don't be so mean, my heart hurt to hear you say that you know? I missed you as well you know?
-Who would miss you I wonder-
I was interrupted when this black-haired ruffian suddenly ruffled Betty's beautiful hair, the one given to her by mother.
-How rude I suppose! Don't put your sweaty hand onto betty's head in fact" I scream at him
-Yes yes I'm sorry, my bad my bad" he answered with a grin, keeping up his head pat for a while before removing his hand, not apologetic in the least
-Why must you always come and bother Betty? Aren't you busy with the half-elf and the blue maid I suppose?
Not that I would care about the love affairs of humans; This boy was just one of the many passersby that this mansion homes, although I would give him he is among the more lively ones.
-My My even Beako is seeing it. Could it be that the charms of my fathers finally worked on me? I have grown into such a sinful man mother...
-Your weirdly inconsistent reaction to praise is one of the things that keep you from having the ladies liking you"
To be honest the last part was just a way to get back at him. But even though I only caught a glimpse of him he very much oscillates between seeking approval, enjoying it, or deflecting him. Not that I would pay much attention to a human behavior
-Is that so? I didn't think of that. But you are a great spirit after all" He responds, taking a "that's right" air on his face.
The nerve
-" What is with this "after all" realization? Betty should let you know more often how terrifying she can be if you are going to forget it!
-Don't do it, please! I apologize" He rapidly changes his tune, prostrating himself on the ground
Hmph. I guess that even he has some sense of respect ingrained into him
-I will never underestimate your wisdom again I swear. Of course, a great spirit would know better about relationship than I it's only natural
-If you understand that Betty can let you off the hook I suppose.
-Could you please teach me! With your help surely my charisma stat would skyrocket until overload!
-Uh um
-Pretty Please! I could only ask you!" he says while joining his hands in a praying motion
-I-If you're asking that way. Betty guesses she can be generous and impart her wisdom into you I sup-suppose...
For the love of mother. What did Betty put herself into? Although I am indeed a well of knowledge, way beyond this poor mortal comprehension...I haven't interacted seriously with people in a long time, let alone ever observed their relationship forming, nor even having been in one myself.
But something compelled me to not lose face to this human. Whatever feeling made me do it I will be sure to curse it later.
-So I suppose, the first thing I should let you know is...
But what should I say?
I can't look like I'm hesitating I can't have him make fun of me and find out!
Think betty think! You're a great spirit, a work of art made by mother; there must be something...
Thankfully I can think of a lot of things in a mere instant so I can scrounge my memory.
How is it that humans form relationships? There is no way that I can't figure out the answ-
Oh yes, That is it! The romance section. I haven't touched it in a while since it is very small and my mother explicitly put it to make fun of me but I did read it once when I was lonely... No, I was not lonely, simply curious! That's right I just wanted to not let mother's gift waste even if it was a joke.
I can recall they were not too displeasing to read. Yes, I only stopped reading them because they had the bad side effect of making me want to emulate the adventures of the human women in them, and made me feel wanting for a companion, no matter their gender. No doubt a spell cast over by mother as a prank. It would not make sense otherwise.
At any rate, I definitely remember the patterns of most of them. Though quite frankly few of the male protagonists would fit with this mean eyed boy's background, with him being a mere servant and not some knight or prince, I am sure that if so many followed the same vague motion to seduce human female, it must mean that this would work on them in practice.
-Let's leave saving your target from villains aside, the first step in conquering your lady's heart should be that you make sure they see your good qualities. It's obvious I suppose but you won't bewitch anyone without them having a good opinion of you.
He was sat on the floor but due to his eight, he was barely lower than my own eye level. Stupid humans and their stupid growth.
-I see I see. Well, I work hard to impress Emilia-tan and not disappoint rem every day so I hope that's enough.
-The nerve you have to admit how easily your heart wanders is something you should work on I suppose...
He did seem to take an embarrassed look although I wouldn't know if it meant actual repentance...Not that Betty would look out for humans loving habits!
-Regardless as for actual actions you should try unexpected poetry and delicate gift. Not that a woman of quality would be bought by mere pricy possession or some sweet nothings, but anyone would appreciate the attention and care behind a well-thought-out Ode and a carefully selected item.
-i.. see. I'll take note of that.
He took for a short moment a puzzled expression before cracking a weird smile. Is he so inept that he never thought of it before? I begin to pity the two who got ensnared by his clown charms.
-Another trick you could do is to catch them alone in a hallway and put your arm over their head gazing upon them from above. Then uphold that stance for a while and whisper some declaration of interest before leaving; The breath increase in their heart rate would only make them receptive.
The more I explained the ropes to him the wider his smile grew. Was he so happy to be enlightened?
-In general, some light version of what you would call bullying could also be an option, as it makes some type of people yearn for more.
-I see-Yes I see! Thank you beako your advice was invaluable! But I can't extort all that wisdom from you in one go I must let my poor capacity diggest you, see you tomorrow" he said as he got up quite suddenly, patting my head and heading for the door while clutching his stomach.
What a strange human. He did seem happy about my lesson so I probably didn't look ridiculous but then why did he leave? I suppose that for how greedy a man can be they can recognize how much they can take in one go.
Leaving and coming as he pleases he is really one of the most irritating. His kind is the kind that always bothers Betty.
Still, Betty is a bit curious as to when he will come back.
….
Today was no doubt one of the good ones. Emilia-tan agreed to teach me, and beako, giving me those hilarious love advice. I didn't ask her to make fun of her at first but as I realized how tropey her references were I couldn't help myself. Thankfully she didn't notice that I was on the verge of exploding in laughter or else she might have thrown me out very violently.
I didn't think the forbidden library had romance-type novels but I suppose even an old growing girl would want some...Although I worry a bit she seems to have only those references. I should keep on teasing her to come outside more.
I got better at my job as well. Thanks to that the three of us can finish our work earlier than when I first started. All I need to do now is to keep lying in my bed before going to Felix's room and then with my in-house personal teaching session with Emilia!
-Can I enter?
An unfamiliar voice calls for me although its identity is obvious if surprising. I get up and open the door. Thankfully my mom's good habit dripped into me so my room is always clean.
-Felix? Is something the matter?
-No it's nyothing like that. I just didn't have much to do and you seemed to have finished your work so I came here so you would not have to look for me.
That's nice of him.
-That's a doctor for you! But you're right I have nothing at the moment so we can have our session.
He then begins his work as soon as we sit on the bed. I sat on the edge of it while he was cross-legged in the center, working his magic through my back. As usual, the swirls of him mana entered my body and began to consolidate something concrete and compact, yet which felt connected to my entire body...My gate.
He did tell me that I should not use it anymore but if that's really the case it's very disappointing. Shamak is one of the reasons I finally escaped the loop of death of my first hiring days. I may lack talent in a lot of things but it's disappointing to think one would be outright detrimental to it. I hope the spirit art compensates appropriately...Emilia would probably not like that train of thought.
-What is that small little box on your desk.
The cat healer points over my shoulder at my flip phone which is currently off to save its battery. Not that I have much use for it now that I'm in a different world but if I could I wish I could take pictures from the sight and people I have seen.
This world may be cruel but-
-Hey are you listening?
-Sorry sorry I was lost in thought" I say, jolting in awareness" It's a flip-phone, a sort of metia from my hometown. Wanna see"
I probably won't have much useful use of it in the future so it's not a huge deal to show him.
As he nods I stand up for a short while and get it. As he resumes his treatment I begin my explanation.
-It's a metia that allow you to capture a moment in a fixed image, to set up dates and alarms corresponding to them, and although it's a function that only works in my hometown it allows you to speak with people far apart" I say while showing him an example of the function mentioned each time.
-So...It's some sort of communication mirror? And those other functions of yours apart from the set alarm I have never seen anything like that before."
Wearing that puzzled look I have only seen my grandfather give to a telephone...Cultural barriers sure are something.
-And why does the communication function only work in your hometown. Does it have some sort of seal that restricts that?"
That phone lacking any kind of "seal" is the best criticism you could make of them. The more I grew up and the more I found myself harassed by stupid announcers...
-" No it's nothing like that. Well, how to say it... Although it's a metia it doesn't use mana and..."
-" Wait what. That makes no sense. Are you pranking me?" he shouts in shock.
Magic really is everything for them uh...
-" No although I want to, not today. As I was saying it uses another mechanism. It's a bit hard to explain, to be honest...
-You can't leave me hanging or I'll call you a nyliar"
-Hey stop biting my ear: I'll do it I'll do it alright.
Seriously this one. how handsy can you get?
-Anyway, let's start with the beginning. Please do not interrupt me at first. I swear I will answer all your questions after.
-Is that your nyaround about way of trying to swarm me under a flow of incomprehensible words?
Shamelessly not denying it and doing it anyway is the Natsuki clan's motto.
-Anyway-
-Don't ignore me!"
-It's payback for your teasing so bear with it.
At this point, he had finished his daily treatment so the both of us were facing each other cross-legged on the bed. If I were to get nostalgic about it I would say the last time I had a friend on my bed like this was at the start of middle school, before I slowly started too-Let's not get carried away by dark thoughts.
-So there's this force we call in my homeland "electricity" although its etymologic origin would not make much sense here...It's the same phenomenon that happens with thunderstorms.
As I start my explanation I take some of the picture books that Ram gave me and use the pictures as useful support.
-It exists within everything material but to have it have any kind of effect you both need a metal or other compatible materials, as well as generate what we call a "voltage" or a "current".The two are generally connected and the best analogy for an ordinary electricity flow would be a waterfall: the stream speed is the current and the waterfall height is the voltage. The voltage more often than not causes a current, unless some circumstances like the material stop it. A thunderstorm is an extreme version of it-
….
Why do I only meet nerds?
It's not that I planned to be friends for life with him, but I thought that I might as well get along with him.
He seemed like a thuggish, simple person, the kind that finds joy only in flirting with girls and working his hardest.
But he is a nerd
I came to see his room out of curiosity since you can tell a lot about people by their habits, and what I saw seemed to confirm my view: Few belongings, Few books neatly ordered. One who can come and go as he pleases, not burdened by many possessions.
But he truly is a nerd!
As soon as I got him started on explaining this cellphone thing he seemed quite joyful once he got into it. I can't believe this thing holds so many secrets...Or is he just way too thorough?
I've never heard of anything that he mentioned. And I don't think he is making it up either.
-So once another cell phone picks up the signal, it re-transforms it into electricity and then into a voice. And that's about it. Now my ears are all yours for questions.
Finishing his awfully long explanation, I was sat there with one of the blankest looks I ever took. That said it wasn't much because I didn't understand his explanations. In fact, they were surprisingly clear and concise, so the only question I had were the strange terms he uttered from time to time, so I asked about those.
Still
-This hometown of yours...I can't think of any place like that.
-Well you could say this is the kind of place any lugunican would find strange and vice versa. It's not a perfect island...But still, I liked it" he says, with a melancholic tone.
Homesick? I don't know his reasons for leaving but sadly it's the kind of disease out of my range.
But I might as well give him an out.
-At any rate, I didn't take you for the nyultured type. You are more than you let on aren't nyaa.
-When you say it like that I don't know if it's a compliment.
I did expect it to an extent. They may be among the least likely to win but they still are subordinates in a throne-seeking camp. It would be foolish to think they can afford to have useless members. Although his willingness to show his cards shows his inexperience...This could help me later so I m not complaining.
The others too are like that. The mansion lord and the Great spirits are a given, but the maids as well: the pink one who seemingly always slack off has been watching me through my own eyes with some weird power. If I didn't constantly keep my mana in check I would have not noticed so it means that anyone lacking advanced magical expertise would be helpless against it. since I do not want to increase her suspicions more than necessary, I let her do it except when I'm working on Crush's sama assignments.
Her sister too, although she is more direct...Despite not being in view I could sense her mana every time I healed him, supervising my healing in case I try anything funny, like making him my eyes ... I wouldn't oppose doing that but although I'm subtle the possible gains don't outweigh her possible ire. Though I have the feeling she is more concerned about the boy than spying.
If there was to be a weak link...The "leader" themself would fill that role. Her bravado cannot fool me. I would know: words spoken imagining that a confident person would say them, to hide the crying and weak child beneath. Ugly. Your false resolve... It will never compare to Lady Crush's.
-Still, be it insult or praise, thanks for healing me. I know you've been compensated but I'm still grateful.
-You're welcome. Well then...
As I motion to leave he grabs my shoulder.
-I know! How about I guide you to Arlam village tomorrow? I am going for supplies anyway so it's no trouble.
As I scratch my finger I let out a "why", not understanding why it would be a reward.
-Well I think the kids there would love a catboy to play around, and I could use a distraction, also
-Nyo matter how you put it looks like a gift to yourself...Also "I sigh" Think of the villagers.
-Uh?"If you worry about them distrusting a stranger, they see merchants every now and then so as long as I present you properly there should be no trouble."
Lifting his finger he says this as if it was the problem.
But...It didn't look like banter or mockery. He really didn't seem to get it.
Father...Mother...Even though I'm not a demi-human I still look like one. Even though most people don't say anything...It's obvious they would distrust me at sight. The villagers should be no different.
-Come on!
-" Ugh...Fine"
-Yes!
I leave, facepalming at how easily I gave in. I just hope they will be able to ignore me and it will be that
Although now that I think about it if it's just the two of us...
….
As usual, two youth saw each other in the middle of the night. Unlike usual however their conversation way earlier.
The black-haired butler sat on the ground cross-legged, attentive, although a bit more flustered than usual. His newfound teacher, a silver-haired girl stood up, facing him, occasionally walking right or left.
-Emilia-sensei this smug air you take is quite cute, but if this lesson is going to drag for a while you should sit with me. Actually, you should sit alongside me-
-Hum you are right. But if I sit alongside you you won't be able to see my actions well so that's a no.
-Rejected!
Clutching his heart in exaggerated theatrics, the boy's disappointed face was nonetheless real. Still, the lesson would move forward despite the quick dashing of his flirting.
-So I did tell you before but the main thing of spirit art is using the environment mana instead of your own. There's almost no place totally devoid of mana so running out of steam is not something you should be worried about, however, if you use an extravagant technique you may need a cooldown either to gather enough mana or to let the atmosphere recover the mana you took.
-I see I see. So it would be like condensing water from the air...
-You could say that. Oh, but it would be bad if you forcefully took all the mana from your surroundings too fast so don't do this unless you have to or you are in a desert place.
-Why is that?
-Puck used to do that once in the forest and everything was frozen even more...
Scared at the innocent-looking cat powers', Subaru gulped.
-Now it's reallyyyy difficult for most races to take mana from the surrounding by themselves and impossible if the mana is inside a living being unless through a curse. So that's why we rely on spirits.
-Spirits can do that easily...Wait that's how beako could do that!" shock rising on his face.
-Beatrice chan can be a little mean...But don't be too mad at her" the girl took a pleading look.
-It's true I have a bad memory of getting drained until my life spilled out...But I long forgot about it..."So spirits are contracted to help us steal mana?
his thoughts became clouded in bad memories, although he tried his best to not let it show.
-" I don't really like how you said it but yes. They can also do other things for you depending on what they can do. But most importantly they can act as an alternative gate.
-That sounds convenient...but that sounds one-sided. Why would they help us?
-The contract also includes what you have to do. It depends on the spirit's personality and needs. Puck eats my mana and style my hair.
The boy was dejected at how predictable this was, exhaling a "how cat-like" with a resigned expression.
-Bigger spirits also ask for more in general. lesser spirits are like small children and only ask for either a small amount of mana, talking with them, doing something simple.
-Is that why you sometimes strike a po-"
-That spirit was a meanie and this never happened" Taking a wide smile the girl pushed an embarrassing episode under the depth of hell. Her student burned from a wish to tease her but resisted the urge.
-Quasi spirits are like teenagers while spirits and great spirits count as adults, and though they mostly ask for the same thing, the more the spirit is ranked and the more he would ask you to prove yourself or add complicated or taxing conditions to their contracts. It's also obvious but if the spirit hates you there's no contracting it.
He taps his hand on the other, then...
-Wait doesn't that mean lots of spirits will just turn me down?
-Um? I don't understand what you are saying. You are very suited for the arts did you forget,
-Ah ah... . But how do you even know that? It's true puck and Beatrice don't hate me but that would not translate to my talent in handling a real spirit or use their powers.
Unlike his usual mock bravado, the point being made was pretty solid.
Two examples, as powerful they may be, could not account for the preferences of the whole spirit race. In addition, his lack of magical talent realistically made the hopes of an alternate magical method unlikely to be his thing.
-You are a worrywart but that's true. If Subaru put his best the result will definitely show!"
-Who says that anymore?"
However, his attempt to divert her were dashed
-Puck say it!" said his daughter, proud as a carp, punching her chest with the hands that were previously clenched in determination
Or are they
-That's why he doesn't count! He is older than the both of us!"
-Remember your promise you will listen to anything I say!
-I thought you would use that clause way more dramatically" he says, hunching over defeated.
-If you can't believe me I'll explain it to you. People gate's status as well as their personality, are the two factors defining your talent for spirit art. Gates take in the mana from inside and outside the body and process it, as well as transform it in the case of magic. But the processing differs between individuals: People who can't absorb mana from outside, people whose gate transform exterior mana, charged with the elements into pure energy, instead of accepting the mana unchanged, those people simply can't hope to form a contract, because their constitution respectively reject the very essence of spirit art or it rejects the spirited individuality, making it deadly for them to attempt it.
The elf descendant started her explanation, taking a serious air and lifting her finger but her smile betrayed her true feelings. She was doing more than explaining, however: as a way to explain, she used her own body as teaching material: she gathered mana around her densely, then at will either let it enter her body freely, with restrictions or outright forbade its passing,
-Those characteristics aren't bad in themselves and in fact wouldn't stop you from using magic, but having them prevent you from using spirits. If you don't have them you can use spirits. Your personality also matters...Although I don't know how since I don't know other spiritualists other than Julius. But apparently, people like you and I are liked by lots of spirits, while Roswaal seems to be avoided by them. But there are all kinds of spirits so there should be one for everybody.
The boy cringed a bit at the name but did his best to hide it, with success.
-Gotta catch 'em all!
-Uhm? I don't understand what you are saying?
The boy mumbled something about a cultural barrier, before laughing that he was just motivating himself.
-What else...Puck says that some people's gates are comfy to be in. I don't know what that means though.
The boy hypothesized that it would be like the difference between sleeping on the cold hard and a fluffy mat, but the girl thought it would be more like disliking peas but devouring appas.
-Your hatred of peas is one of those things that make you adorable Emilia tan" earning himself a pout.
Despite his banter, however, the unruly butler was being an attentive student. What she said, the meaning of her words...this student truly put his full attention on the lesson...and the teacher of course.
-Anyway, that's why. That's enough of the basics. It's time for practice: to attract spirit you need to first calm yourself and have your mind as empty as possible, then gently let mana surround your body; like a lamp: bright and gentle..."
The girl put a hand on his shoulder guiding his flow of mana. She never noticed how that very action distracted his immature mind the most. Like how the boy never noticed he was being observed from above although both were guilty of it.
….
"thump"
Silence headache. I don't wanna hear it. You won't make me wince like you failed yesterday like you will fail tomorrow.
"pshtt"
Irritating. Washing dishes grates me. Where is Barus- Since when did I begin to rely on him? Disgusting.
I finish my work for the day and as I exit the kitchen I see the cat knight talking with Lady Emilia. Of course, I knew that already. I am aware he could shut my clairvoyance down if he really wanted to, but keeping it on as a warning is fine as well
As they part away I move so as to not have her notice me. It is not that I avoid her, but at this time of the night, there are only two people whom I want to engage with.
I passed by my room to take last night's documents was there, of course, scribbling a notebook. It's a habit she took recently and although I wouldn't have minded if it was a diary or literacy venture, the book's nature makes me wince at a simple thought, so I removed it from my perception.
-"Sister are you finished? Do you need a rest before-"
"Don't worry Rem I'm not as tired today. I will be fine"
On those short words, I temporarily part with her, leaving discussions about the day for tomorrow. Thankfully she did not seem as down as this afternoon... Forgive your selfish sister. I will be sure to console you later. And to talk about your taste in men.
I slowly walked toward the chamber and knocked as a courtesy, knowing full well this was a man who could not be surprised, and let myself in
-Theeeey seem to be having fun as always"
It was an observation where he did not expect an answer from me. Or rather maybe I did not want to take the bait and use it as a conversation starter when his eyes are so...unfocused.
So I left the door panel where I was standing from and got closer to the window, looking at what he was pretending to pay attention to, his face enlightened by the full moon.
Barusu and that girl, Emilia. As usual, they were playing around in the garden. And Barusu was wasting his annoying inexhaustible energy on flirting with a target who could not care less...No maybe it's not correct. She is hopelessly blind to his antics, which makes me pity the two of them.
Although there was a change to the usual song and dance, with them.
-Shaaall we begin?" holding a smirk I knew well.
I happily obeyed, sitting on his lap as he began treating my horn, as he did every day. The sweet pleasure that began invading me was, as usual, captivating me and leaving me panting. , I would never admit it to anyone but it was my favorite moment of the day.
-"..."Staring at me, with me being at his mercy, he was being pensive. His silence during the treatment was also telling enough: a crucial phase of his plans had to be well thought out.
As he finished he once again looked at a window although a different one, giving sight to a forest, where well beyond the eyes of the world a detested tumb lied and a nuisance of a friend was wasting about. I loved his calculated disposition, however, I knew that he had to be pulled off those types of transes, so I called out "what is worrying you Roswaal sama?"
Getting only slightly back to the real world he sighed "Youuuuu could say that there was a miscalculation on my part. Or would it be more correct to say that my faith has been tested in an unforeseen manneeeer?"; With one hand he was caressing my head, while the other reached for the inside of his vest, putting a disgustingly familiar black book on the table.
That book was poison. It bound the both of us to an iron fate and chained him to misery.
That book was salvation. It would lead him to his desired victory and punishment.
That book was his one true love. Or rather the shadow of my rival. One I can't surpass. One I would die rather than resembling.
Noticing my gaze he locked my eyes unto his "As you could have suspected, the gospel did come false, for the first time."He then grinned "If you want you could come to reap your reward."
...
"I do not believe that your eyes are those of one who has given up. Am I correct?"
I of course knew what he meant.
That reward.
I do wish for it.
I just know that I cannot get it. At least not the one I really want.
"Is it what it seems to you? Indeed I am not seasoooooned well enough for that fateful dayyyyy. There are things I must doooo before truly reaching the bottom" He said, with a low voice, clutching his free fist."Will you help me with it?"
"My being is already yours. For this plan and the thousands after them, My hand won't stray."
"Suuucch devoootion. Your patieeeence will be rewarded, as fate asks for it. But before our true talk, I ask for your judgment: What do you think of Natsuki Subaru?"
Him again.
What is it that makes him the center of everyone's attention?
What is it that makes him grasp HIS attention?
...
I know I shouldn't let it bother me that much. But...
-My thoughts haven't changed since last time. He is a pathetic man, chasing after what he cannot get, wishing for what he shouldn't get, Not chasing after what he doesn't deserve, yet is laid bare for him.
He is too honest and easy to read to be a spy, not of unique intellect, and he lacks the kind of strength he dreams of every day.
He chases after it as we speak even though he is smart enough to realize it isn't what he seeks. If I had to call him a single thing, it would be a helpless man.
But...I would give it to him he is hardworking, thinks on his feet, cares about people, and...
"He has been what you couldn't be for your sister cooorect?"
I stay silent.
I always knew how Rem felt. I always hated it. I hate that even today I burden her.
And I hated I was helpless.
-" If your feelings didn't change either it is good as weeeell. But then...What made HIS change? Rem indeeed loooooove you to the death, but could soft warning words move you soooooo, Suuuuubaru-kun?.. You too are indeed a fool fueled by a beloved's You too are also a fool whose existence lean on one purpoooose...Or have I misjudged you?
What have you done Rem? Even accidentally what did go awry?
Cutting my musings with his own, he then broke into a smile. A grin even I could only call malevolent, a type of glee he only shows when his plans bring his enemies to his knees and rip the fruits he needs for others.
"Orrrrrr...Yes, that is that….Indeed Suuuuuubaru-kun this is a way to solve it as well...It is a shame that my other me is the one going through the optimal path, but though mine issssss thorny, I caaan see the light at the end aaaaaas weeeell!"
"Aaaaah. If onlyyyyy I had youuuur pooower baaack theeen. If I did I…"
He stopped his frenzy, seeing my slightly frightened face, giggling in genuine amusement.
"Shaaaaaaall we begin?"
Author Note: For those wondering the whole compatibility explanation is something I totally made up trying to flesh things out while trying to make sense.